Odisha celebrates Ravan podi with fanfare

Bhubaneswar: Marking an end to this year’s Dussehra celebrations, Ravan Podi was celebrated across the state with great fanfare on Friday evening to observe the victory of good over evil. Huge effigies of Ravan, the demon king of Ramayan epic were set afire with colourful fireworks across the State.

According to sources, as many as 30 puja committees in the capital city Bhubaneswar including Saheed Nagar, Nayapalli and Baramunda had organised Ravan podi programme yesterday.

A 40-feet high effigy of Ravan and his brother Kumhakarna was set afire by senior BJD leader and MP Prassana Patsani at Saheed Nagar puja committee. Similarly the Ravan podi was also celebrated at Nayapalli puja committee with festive fervor and fanfare.

The 1000 year old city and the old capital of the State, Cuttack also celebrated the Ravan podi with great fanfare. A 40-feet high effigy of Ravan was set afire by former minister Sameer Dey at Baliyatra ground.

Similarly, a 70-feet high effigy of demon king Ravan was set on fire by former Chilika MLA Raghunath Sahoo at BJB high school ground in Khurda.